Fall 2015 Capsule Wardrobe Shopping Details

Now that I’ve shared the inspiration behind my Fall capsule wardrobe, I wanted to share some more specifics about the pieces in my capsule and how I selected them. There are many great resources about building a capsule wardrobe like Project 333 and Unfancy so if you’re new to the idea, start there!

I read a lot about capsule wardrobes and browsed Pinterest for ideas and set out to create my personal capsule wardrobe with this goal: Create a small wardrobe with clothes I love to wear and will actually put on every day. As a stay-at-home mom, getting dressed is almost a luxury and many times it’s easier to throw on yoga pants to run errands than to put on real clothes. But putting on real clothes does wonders for my morale, so I’m making it a priority!

I knew my capsule would have to be filled with pretty things, but also very practical things. Most days I can expect to play outside with my kids for several hours and do lots of messy arts and crafts. I’m also breastfeeding a toddler and babywear regularly, which affect my wardrobe choices.

This capsule wardrobe isn’t perfect or the ideal wardrobe for anyone but me. I started with a few things I already owned, invested in some nicer pieces that I hope will last for the long-term and stayed on a budget for some of the basic pieces.

The old me shopped constantly and picked up clothes on clearance at Target or during a trip to Costco or on a trip to Ross without ever thinking about the big picture of what else was in my closet. The result was a closet full of mediocre quality clothes that I didn’t wear, didn’t fit me great and definitely didn’t spark joy. It’s going to be a process to change that, but this capsule wardrobe is the start.

***Disclaimer*** This post contains some affiliate links which means I may get a commission if you purchase anything through an affiliate link, but don’t worry, your price stays the same.

Tops

When I cleaned out my closet, I found that most of my clothes were black or white. I’m definitely attracted to neutrals and a simple look. But I realized that when I looked at what I actually wore, I wore black all the time and never wore white…I have an 18 month old and a 4 year old so that should explain why! When I went shopping, I knew I wanted to branch out to different colors and get some patterns in my life.

1. Peach side split tunic: in season from Target, not available online (find similar here)

2. Floral print sweatshirt: in season from Nordstrom Rack, not found online (find similar here)

3. Printed button down: in season from Nordstrom Rack

4. V-neck soft pullover: in season from Nordstrom Rack

5. Plaid flannel shirt: in season from Costco, not found online (find similar here)

6. Plaid tunic pullover: in season from Old Navy

Cardigans & Vests

I actually had several cardigans already, but they were either really old and not in great shape or they were huge. For some reason I had several extra large cardigans despite the fact that I usually wear a medium. And five of them were black. Pinterest told me I needed some color and different textures to achieve the “Fall” layered look I wanted. The vest is going waaaaaay out on a limb for me, but I’m trying it. It’s pretty trendy now, so I found a budget-friendly one in case it only sticks around for one season.

 

1. Yellow boyfriend cardigan: in season from Target

2. Burgundy thermal layering sweater: in season from Target

3. Olive quilted vest: in season from Sears

4. Black drape cardigan: old from Target (find similar here)

5. Classic V-neck blue cardigan: in season from Forever 21

Layering Tanks

I’m in Texas and pretty jealous of some of the Fall style options for those in places where there is a real Fall season. Here, it’s pretty warm until Christmas. I love the layered look, but I’m not going to be wearing a sweater with a cute jacket and scarf when it’s 80 degrees in November. I wanted a few tanks that I could either wear alone on a really warm day or layer with a cardigan for cooler days. I already had two of these and got the lace one with my Spring capsule in mind. It’s almost painful for me to pay full price for something, but knowing that it will get a lot of use makes it a little easier.

1. Purple sleeveless blouse: old (find similar here)

2. Cream lace tank: in season from Target, not found online (find similar here)

3. Navy blue sleeveless blouse: old (find similar here)

Dresses

I am a dress person. Well, I used to be. Dresses aren’t exactly practical for playing with kids or babywearing so I reserve these for special occasions on the weekends when I have help from my husband. I looked a bit for a maxi dress to add to my capsule, but I honestly wear dressed so rarely I decided to just keep these three that I already had in my closet.

1. Black short sleeve dress: old from Ross

2. Cream lace sleeveless dress: old from Ross (find similar here)

3. 3/4 sleeve embroidered dress: old from Old Navy (find similar here)

T-shirts

I realize I have a lot of T-shirts, but I’m dealing with Texas weather so I need to be prepared with short sleeves and long sleeves. The stripes and pattern tees are big for me; I’m usually not that adventurous! I knew I needed several T-shirts so I stuck to budget friendly stores for these, but I hope to slowly upgrade to nicer quality ones in future capsules.

1. Navy stripe boatneck T-shirt: in season from Old Navy

2. Blush pink relaxed crew neck T-shirt: in season from Old Navy

3. Yellow T-shirt: old (find similar here)

4. Blue T-shirt: in season from Old Navy

5. Long sleeve white T-shirt: in season from Target

6. Short sleeve white T-shirt: in season from Old Navy

7. Printed gray T-shirt: in season from Target

Bottoms

This was the most expensive part of the wardrobe, but pants tend to stay in style longer so I was OK with spending more in this area. The stylist I worked with suggested the Paige Denim jeans and my jaw dropped at the price, which even discounted was three times what I had ever spent on pants before. But once I put them on, I knew they were worth every penny! I have a small waist and curvy bottom half and jeans never fit me right, but these actually did. They are the first well-fitting pair of jeans I’ve ever had.

I had the same experience with the leggings. I have been a fan of leggings for a few years, but I’ve always bought them off the $4.99 rack at Ross and paid the price for ill-fitting leggings that constantly needed adjusting and pulling up. Who knew that spending $28 on leggings would make such a huge difference?! They stay put all day and fit perfectly.

I love skirts, but they aren’t practical for me right now, which is why I don’t have any. Perhaps in the spring when my little one is a bit older and won’t tug on my skirt and try to pull it down, I can wear some!

1. Burgundy skinny pants: in season from Costco

2. Umber cropped twill pants: in season from Nordstrom Rack

3. Medium wash skinny jeans: in season from Costco

4. Gray skinny pants: in season from Costco

5. Black leggings: in season from Nordstrom Rack

6. Dark wash skinny jeans: in season from Nordstrom

7. Black skinny jeans: old from Costco (find similar here)

Shoes

I’m not a shoe person AT ALL. I’m perfectly content in a pair of plastic Old Navy flip flops almost all year long. Shoes are like the icing on the cake and really finish off an outfit. My stylist helped me branch out to try some new things in the shoe department, and I’m so glad she did! I invested in a couple new pairs of quality shoes and I’m working with what I have for the others. Shoes are another area that I’d like to slowly work on upgrading.

1. Brown riding boots: in season from Amazon

2. Tan bootie: currently sold out from Nordstrom Rack

3. Olive bootie: in season from Target

4. Brown scrunch ballet flats: old from Walmart

5. Leopard print scrunch ballet flat: old from Payless (find similar here)

6. Sam Edelman “Felicia” flats: sold out from Nordstrom Rack (find similar here)

What’s not included? 

I’m not including underwear, workout clothes, outerwear or accessories in my capsule. I know a lot of people include outwear, but I live in Texas and my one winter coat is purely functional and not fashionable because on the 10 days of the year I’ll need it, I won’t be wearing it for long because it will either warm up or we crank up the heat inside. I did buy some new accessories to go with my capsule wardrobe, but I am operating with a minimalist mentality and trying not to go overboard.

This is all new to me, but if you are intrigued by the idea, I’d say to give it a try! It’s taken out the guesswork for me and made it easy to get dressed every day ensuring that I look good and feel great. I’d love to hear from you if you’re planning to try a capsule wardrobe or if you already have one. Share with me on our Facebook page!